Romania, Bulgaria to Offer Jobs on Schengen Visa Starting January 1, 2025
The Schengen Area has just gotten bigger and better! As of January 1, 2025, Romania and Bulgaria have joined the Schengen family, opening up a world of possibilities for skilled workers and businesses alike. This exciting development means that the updated Schengen zone now offers an even wider range of skill shortage positions, making it easier for talented individuals to find their dream jobs in Europe.
Imagine a vast, borderless playground where you can hop from Paris to Prague, or from Amsterdam to Athens, without ever having to worry about pesky passport controls. That’s the magic of the Schengen Area, and now, with the addition of Romania and Bulgaria, the adventure just got even more thrilling!
In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the exciting implications of the Schengen zone’s expansion, exploring the new skill shortage positions available, the benefits of working in the Schengen Area, and how you can make the most of this incredible opportunity. So, buckle up and get ready for an exhilarating ride through the ever-expanding world of Schengen!
Schengen Visa Expansion 2025 Update
Romania and Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen Zone eliminates border checks with other member states, allowing seamless travel for Schengen visa holders. While a Schengen visa facilitates entry for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, it is primarily intended for tourism, business, or family visits. Importantly, it does not grant automatic work authorization.
For skilled workers, this means you can use a Schengen visa to:
- Explore job opportunities in Romania and Bulgaria.
- Attend interviews and meet potential employers.
- Travel for short-term business assignments or networking events.
To work legally, a work visa or residence permit specific to these countries will still be required.
Skill Shortages in Romania and Bulgaria
Both Romania and Bulgaria are grappling with workforce gaps, making them attractive destinations for skilled professionals and here is an overview of those sectors experiencing shortages in 2025:
| Sector | Romania | Bulgaria |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | – Engineers: Approximately 12,942 RON (€2,605) per month. – Welders: Around 6,963 RON (€1,400) per month. – Bricklayers: Similar to welders, approximately 6,963 RON (€1,400) per month. – Woodworkers: Comparable to construction workers, about 6,963 RON (€1,400) per month. | – Welders and Flame Cutters: Approximately 1,200-1,300 BGN (€614-€666) per month. – Heavy Truck and Lorry Drivers: Around 1,000-1,100 BGN (€512-€563) per month. – Electrical Engineers: Approximately 1,200-1,300 BGN (€614-€666) per month. – Construction Laborers: Around 900-1,000 BGN (€460-€512) per month. |
| Healthcare | – Doctors: Entry-level doctors earn around 5,700 RON (€1,150) per month, with experienced specialists earning up to 16,600 RON (€3,350) per month. – Nurses: Approximately 8,528 RON (€1,715) per month. – Social Workers: Around 8,528 RON (€1,715) per month. | – Nursing Professionals: Approximately 1,200 BGN (€614) per month. – Specialist Medical Practitioners: Around 2,000 BGN (€1,023) per month. |
| Information Technology | – Computer Programmers: Approximately 15,792 RON (€3,175) per month. – IT Specialists: Similar to programmers, around 15,792 RON (€3,175) per month. | – ICT Professionals: Approximately 2,500 BGN (€1,282) per month. |
| Hospitality and Tourism | – Waiters: Approximately 4,905 RON (€985) per month. – Chefs: Around 4,905 RON (€985) per month. – Seasonal Workers in Tourism: Similar to accommodation and food service activities, about 4,905 RON (€985) per month. | – Waiters: Approximately 450 BGN (€230) per month. – Chefs: Around 450 BGN (€230) per month. |
| Education | – English Teachers: Approximately 10,189 RON (€2,050) per month. – Secondary Education Teachers: Around 10,189 RON (€2,050) per month. | – Secondary Education Teachers: Approximately 615 BGN (€314) per month. |
| Transportation and Logistics | – Heavy Truck Drivers: Approximately 8,415 RON (€1,695) per month. – Road Freight Transport Workers: Similar to heavy truck drivers, around 8,415 RON (€1,695) per month. | – Heavy Truck and Lorry Drivers: Approximately 1,000-1,100 BGN (€512-€563) per month. – Plumbers, Pipefitters: Around 900-1,000 BGN (€460-€512) per month. |
| Manufacturing and Industry | – Sewing Machine Operators: Approximately 7,256 RON (€1,460) per month. – Metal, Machine Setters: Around 7,256 RON (€1,460) per month. | – Sewing Machine Operators: Approximately 425 BGN (€218) per month. – Metal, Machine Setters: Around 425 BGN (€218) per month. |
| Agriculture | – Gardeners: Approximately 6,199 RON (€1,245) per month. – Horticultural and Nursery Growers: Around 6,199 RON (€1,245) per month. | – Gardeners, Horticultural and Nursery Growers: Approximately 425 BGN (€218) per month. |
| Security Services | – Protection and Guard Services: Approximately 5,639 RON (€1,135) per month. | – Security Personnel: Approximately 280-320 BGN (€143-€164) per month. |
Note: The salary figures are approximate and based on available data for 2024.
How Schengen Membership Helps Skilled Workers for Bulgaria and Romania?
Romania and Bulgaria’s integration into the Schengen Zone streamlines travel for job seekers. Here’s how this change benefits skilled workers:
- Easier Access: Schengen visa holders can travel to Romania and Bulgaria to explore opportunities, attend interviews, and connect with employers.
- Cross-Border Mobility: Workers residing in other Schengen countries can now travel without additional border checks, making it easier to pursue short-term assignments or relocate.
- Networking Opportunities: Simplified travel enables professionals to attend conferences, job fairs, and networking events in Romania and Bulgaria.
Steps to Secure Work Opportunities on Schengen Visa in Romania and Bulgaria in 2025
While a Schengen visa facilitates entry, working in Romania and Bulgaria requires a work visa or residence permit. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Research Job Opportunities: Identify roles in sectors experiencing labor shortages. Use job portals and recruitment agencies to find openings.
- Apply for Jobs: Tailor your CV to match the job requirements and apply directly to employers.
- Obtain a Job Offer: Once you secure an offer, the employer typically assists with the work permit application.
- Submit Work Visa Application: Complete the necessary paperwork and provide documents such as proof of employment, qualifications, and financial stability.
- Travel and Start Working: Once your work visa is approved, you can relocate and begin employment.
Top Recruitment Agencies and Job Portals
To secure work opportunities in Romania, Bulgaria, or across Europe, you can use the following recruitment agencies and job portals:
Recruitment Agencies:
-
- Hipo.ro (Romania): Specializes in IT, engineering, and healthcare roles.
- BestJobs (Romania and Bulgaria): A leading platform for jobs in various sectors.
- JobsPartner.eu (Europe-wide): Focused on matching skilled workers with employers.
- Bulwork (Bulgaria): Known for IT and technical recruitment.
European Job Portals:
-
- EURES (European Employment Services): A platform by the EU offering jobs across all member states.
- LinkedIn Jobs: A global professional network with tailored job searches.
- Indeed Europe: A widely used platform featuring jobs across industries.
- Jooble: A European job aggregator covering Romania and Bulgaria.
References
- https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_24_6401
- https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/12/12/schengen-council-decides-to-lift-land-border-controls-with-bulgaria-and-romania/
- https://eucrim.eu/news/bulgaria-and-romania-join-schengen-area/
- https://www.epp.eu/papers/romanias-and-bulgarias-accession-to-the-schengen-area
- https://udi.no/en/important-messages/bulgaria-and-romania-become-part-of-the-schengen-area/.
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